An Assessment for Drinking Water Quality (A Case Study of Dhungedhara at Kathmandu Valley)

Abstract

Background: Stone taps, locally called 'Dhungedhara" were used as the only means for drinking and other domestic uses before the city water supply system established. High population growth in Kathmandu valley is increasing sort-supply drinking water for all the people. Leachate from solid waste, sewerage, waste dumping and leakage from drainage system can also be given credit for this contamination. However due to inadequate quantity of city water supply, being even severe in dry seasons, people are driven towards stone taps without even knowing the quality of water. Public water supply is not reliable enough. In this context water from natural springs (Dhungedhara) has a very significant contribution in providing water to urban communities but the quantity and quality of such springs seems to be deteriorating day by day. The main objective of this research was to study the general condition of Dhungedhara in Kathmandu valley and assess the quantity and quality of public Dhungedhara in relevance to the public health. Methods: Water samples from three stone taps in Kathmandu valley were taken based on taps being extensively used for domestic purposes. One sample each from three different stone taps was collected. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory. Views of different people were collected and incorporated. Laboratory test results were analyzed thoroughly and compared with World Health Organization standards and suitability for drinking purpose. Results: The observed values of all the tested parameters were found to be within the limit of World Health Organization guideline values except pH value in the sample from Budhnagar which was not found to be significant. Conclusions: The sources of these taps should be preserved and protected from pollution. A wide public awareness program should be launched including campaign against using polluted water, its impact on health. The health program should be incorporated with it. Keywords: assessment; dhungedhara; drinking water; parameters; quality; quantity.